Silhouettes for the evening

Been in the industry for almost 10 years now, Rajat Tangri  has never failed to introduce a surprise element in his collections. From being inspired by fine arts to becoming one of the most sought-after designers, he has definitely come a long way. The young designer gets candid with Surupasree Sarmmah about the first outfit he designed, his inspiration and more.    

How did designing happened to you?

My dad is an architect and he was into fine arts, which caught my attention too.  My second passion, however, was fashion designing, so I left for Australia after high school and did a course in fashion and that’s how it all started.

If not a designer…

I would probably have been an artist or perhaps, a chef.

The one thing that you keep in mind while working on a collection...
It has to be something that is wearable and sellable.

Describe your style of work.

I am primarily into evening wear like cocktail dresses and evening gowns. I have just started an Indian line and I am in the process of launching a pret line for men that will include a lot of fusion and quirky stuff.

The first outfit that you had designed…

It was my sister’s wedding outfit. I was a student then. I sourced the fabric from Australia and designed an intricate orange organza ‘lehenga’.

The best part of being a designer.

Designing is nothing but self-expression; it has a bit of you and a bit of your personality. The best part is I come across a lot of well-informed customers, who in the long run, help me grow as a designer. I get to learn a lot of new things from them. As a designer, it is very interesting and at the same time challenging to incorporate someone else’s vision into mine and then to create something.

Who has been your inspiration?

The silhouettes of the early Dior are something I take inspiration from. Also, Alexander McQueen was a league apart.  

Anyone from the film industry you want to work with?

It would definitely be Rekhaji, there is an enigma about her and she’s got a beautiful old-world charm.  

An advice that changed your life?

It was something that my mentor told me once… ‘Believe in yourself and be focussed’.  

Something about your latest collection…

I am in the process of doing two lines, I recently did a show where I showcased my new collection. It is a whole line of evening wear for both men and women. For the collection, I have highlighted neutral colours like nude, which went on to darker shades like oxblood, teal, greenish blue and black.  Neoprene fabric is the focus this time as it gives a fantastic fit.

What are your other interests apart from fashion designing?

It’s a hectic life and I hardly get time, but I love chilling out with friends, reading (fashion oriented – as I like to keep myself updated with what is happening globally) and love spending time with my pet.

Five must-haves in your closet…

A pair of black and blue denims, a well-fitted black shirt, a bomber and a tailored jacket.

Any advice for aspiring designers…

I would like to spread the same words of wisdom… “Believe in yourself and stay focussed. Keeping the whole practicality in mind, because at the end of the day it is a business, and you need to sell and churn out the deserved money